Baalke on Aldon Smith: ‘You don’t just open the door and toss people out’

Asked today if he hoped troubled outside linebacker Aldon Smith would be with the 49ers for the next two seasons, general manager Trent Baalke didn’t hesitate.

“And (2016), and ’17, and ’18,” he said.

During his annual pre-draft meeting with the media, Baalke made it clear the 49ers don’t intend to cut ties with the All-Pro any time soon, provided he avoids more off-the-field trouble.

“I’m a firm believe in the humanistic approach to everything,” Baalke said. “You continue to work, just as you would with any family member. We’re a family. You don’t just open the door and toss people out of it. You continue to work until they leave you no choice. And that’s what we’re going to do.

“We’re going to work with him. We’re going to continue to find ways to support, not defend. We cannot defend the actions of others.”

Baalke said a decision hasn’t been made whether to pick up the fifth-year option on Smith’s rookie contract, which would pay him $9.75 million in 2015. The 49ers have until May 3 to exercise the option.

Smith, of course, was arrested on April 13 at Los Angeles International Airport for allegedly making a false bomb threat. He is scheduled to appear in Santa Clara County Superior Court on April 29 for misdemeanor DUI and three felony weapons charges. The DUI is Smith’s second in his three-year career.

Baalke, who repeatedly said he was “disappointed” in Smith’s latest arrest, suggested the incident was a wake-up call.

“The important thing is it’s equally disappointing to Aldon,” said Baalke, who later added Smith was “growing. Starting to understand. Starting to realize the importance of his own accountability. I think that’s a pretty fair representation of where he’s at.”

Baalke was asked why Smith’s second DUI arrest last year, which was followed by a four-week stay at a treatment facility, didn’t accelerate his growth process.

“I think Aldon has made very good strides in a lot of aspects,” Baalke said. “He continues to work at it every day.”

Smith’s latest misstep has fueled speculation the 49ers will select an outside linebacker early in the upcoming draft. Beyond his muddled long-term future with the team, Smith could face a lengthy suspension from the NFL this season.

“You prepare for the worst and hope for the best,” Baalke said. “… We are working very diligently in the background to make sure the right decisions are made long-term. Not only for Aldon, but for this club.”

After Smith’s arrest, an LAX police spokeswoman said witnesses believed he had been drinking, although alcohol was not a factor in his arrest. Baalke was asked if Smith could have another stint at a treatment facility.

“We’ve had a lot of internal discussions on a lot of things pertaining to a lot of situations,” Baalke said. “But as far as publicly stating what are our intentions are, or where we are in the process of working with him? That’s going to stay internal.”